The Financial Times recently nominated Opportunity International UK and MicroEnsure as finalists in its 2009 Sustainable Banking Awards. Organised in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (a member of the World Bank Group), the awards "recognise banks and other financial institutions that have shown leadership and innovation in integrating social, environmental and corporate governance considerations into their operations."

This year, 165 companies were considered from 42 countries, with five organisations making the finals for each category. Opportunity International UK is nominated as a finalist for two of the five categories: 'Achievement in Basic Needs Financing' and ‘Banking at the Bottom of the Pyramid’. This achievement shows the excellence and significance of Opportunity International’s and MicroEnsure’s work.

Winners will be announced in early June, and you can learn more about the awards at the Sustainable Banking Conference and Awards website.

A Mahogany wooden tray from Indonesia, for sale on the M8kadifranz Virtual Bazaar.

From picture frames and serving trays to jewellery and greeting cards, poor entrepreneurs in developing countries make and sell a range of different products to help them earn an income and support their families. And while many of these crafts are sold in local markets in cities and villages close to their homes, Queensland Ambassador Leah Israel has created M8kadifranz, an online store selling a range of products made by men and women in India, Asia and Africa to the international public. You can visit the store at www.m8kadifranz.com

As the name suggests (M8kadifranz – 'make a difference'), by making a purchase, you are also making a difference in the world. By buying a handmade silver bracelet from Indonesia or a capiz shell decoration from the Philippines, you are helping poor entrepreneurs in developing countries grow their small businesses and work their way out of poverty. All of the products sold on the virtual bazaar are handcrafted by indigenous people and have been purchased at fair prices.

In addition, proceeds from the majority of items on the M8kadifranz Virtual Bazaar go directly to Opportunity International Australia, allowing us to help other poor entrepreneurs realise their dreams.

Want to get fit and fight poverty while you're doing it? The 2009 Brisbane River Fundraising Walk is taking place on 1 & 2 August 2009, and you are invited to join in!

Last year, the inaugural walk saw 33 people take part, raising over $16,500 for Opportunity International Australia’s work with the poor. This year, the walk aims to have 100 people participate, raising in excess of $50,000. All proceeds will be donated to Opportunity Australia’s India program.

Throughout July 2009, Boon will be hosting 'You indulge, we donate: Boon Chocolate month of giving to Opportunity International Australia', where a percentage of all sales go towards establishing a Trust Group in the Philippines. A Trust Group is a gathering of 15-30 poor entrepreneurs who come together to access microfinance (small business loans) and other support services to grow a small business, earn a regular income and work themselves out of poverty.